Your last day at work is a milestone. Handling this day with professionalism and grace is important for maintaining the relationships you’ve built and preserving your reputation. A positive departure can leave a lasting good impression on your colleagues and management.
Preparing for Your Last Day
Before your last day, create a strategy for your goodbyes. Make a short list of the key people you need to speak with personally, including your manager and close colleagues. This is also the time to gather personal contact information from those you wish to stay in touch with and to ensure a smooth handover of your responsibilities. Gradually take personal items home in the days leading up to your departure to make the final day less hectic.
Key Conversations on Your Final Day
Your Manager
Plan to have a brief one-on-one meeting with your manager. In this conversation, thank them for the opportunity they gave you and the support you received. You can mention a specific skill you developed or a valuable experience you had under their guidance. For example, you might say, “I’ve learned so much from your leadership, especially in project management.” This is also the time to confirm that all your final tasks are complete and the handover of your projects is in order.
Your Close Colleagues
Your goodbyes to close colleagues can be more personal and informal. Thank them for their friendship, collaboration, and the positive memories you’ve shared. You could say something like, “I’m really going to miss our daily coffee chats; thank you for being such a great friend and coworker.” This is the ideal time to exchange personal contact information and make concrete plans to stay in touch after you’ve left.
Your Team or Department
When addressing your broader team or department, the message should be positive, professional, and forward-looking. The goal is to thank everyone for their collaboration and wish them and the company well. You can express your appreciation for the teamwork and the collective achievements.
A simple statement like, “It’s been a pleasure working with such a talented and supportive team. I’ll cherish the experience of working on our projects together,” works well. Your message should convey goodwill and wish the team continued success in their future projects. Keep this address relatively brief and focused on appreciation for the shared journey.
Crafting Your Farewell Message
A written farewell message, typically sent via email or a platform like Slack, is a professional courtesy that reaches a wider audience. Structure your message clearly to ensure it is easy to read and understand. Begin with a positive opening and a brief mention that you are leaving the company and when your last day will be.
The core of the message should be an expression of gratitude to your colleagues and the company for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had. You can mention how much you enjoyed working with such a talented team. It is standard practice to include your personal contact information, such as your LinkedIn profile or a personal email address, for those who wish to stay in touch. Close your message with a warm and professional sign-off, wishing everyone the best.
What to Avoid Saying
What you don’t say on your last day is just as important as what you do say. To protect your professional reputation, there are several topics to steer clear of. Avoid any temptation to complain about the company, your manager, or your colleagues. Venting or criticizing on your way out can burn bridges and make you appear unprofessional.
Refrain from gossiping or sharing negative opinions, as this can leave a sour final impression. It is also wise not to brag about your new job, salary, or benefits, as this can make remaining colleagues feel uncomfortable. Lastly, don’t make promises you cannot keep, such as offering to help out after you’ve left, unless you are genuinely prepared to do so.
Handling Remote Goodbyes
Leaving a remote or hybrid job requires more deliberate farewells. Schedule brief, individual video calls with your manager and close colleagues, as this is the next best thing to an in-person conversation. For the broader team, a farewell message in a public channel like Slack or Teams is appropriate.
Time your message for maximum visibility on your last day to give everyone a chance to respond. The goal is to ensure your departure is acknowledged and you leave on a positive note.